A recent poll conducted by Cygnal Research reveals significant challenges facing many of the 2026 GOP gubernatorial candidates in Alaska.
The poll, which was commissioned by the conservative Building Alaska PAC, reveals a fragmented GOP candidate field where name recognition may prove decisive in deciding who Alaska’s next governor will be in 2026.
The survey took place July 24-27 and included 500 likely GOP primary voters. Results show that most candidates are largely unknown to voters. Adam Crum, who resigned as Revenue Commissioner on August 8 and entered the race on August 11, is unfamiliar to 52% of respondents, with 11% viewing him favorably. Attorney General Treg Taylor, expected to announce his candidacy, is unknown to 57% of likely GOP voters and has a 9% favorability rating.
Newcomers Matt Heilala and James Parkin did not appear in the survey.
Mat-Su Borough Mayor Edna DeVries is unfamiliar to 54% of voters and has a 17% favorable rating, while State Senator Click Bishop is unfamiliar to 48%, with 14% favorability.
State Senator Shelley Hughes is unfamiliar to 51% of respondents, with 21% having a favorable view. Conservative activist Bernadette Wilson fairs slightly better with 45% saying she is unknown and 25% viewing her as favorable.
Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom stands at 46% unknown, and with 31% viewing her as favorable.
Former U.S. Congresswoman, Democrat Mary Peltola, is anticipated to run. She is unknown to only 18% but has a 76% unfavorable rating among this sample.
A large number (41%) of voters are undecided about who to elect.
When asked who they would support if the election were held today, Wilson led with 17%, Dahlstrom had 11%, and Peltola 9%. No other candidate reached 6%. After exposure to candidate messaging and positions on issues, Dahlstrom’s support grew to 23%, Wilson to 18%, while 30% remained undecided.
The poll indicates that 75% of respondents are GOP-leaning in a generic Congressional ballot, suggesting optimism for incumbent Nick Begich’s re-election to the U.S. House. President Donald Trump holds a 77% favorability and 82% job approval, while Governor Mike Dunleavy enjoys 64% favorability and 66% job approval.
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The poll has a margin of error of ±4.37%.
A Building Alaska PAC spokesperson observed, “This poll shows Alaskans want a strong leader with a proven record. With so many unknowns, the candidate who builds trust with voters could dominate.”
11 Comments
Where is the Genie from the bottle? No one registered today has a thing to run on. Hope the best candidate gets registered in the next 6 months. All dead heads are registered at this time!!
Do not re elect anybody, they have no merit and aren’t worthy. We need to learn from their mistakes and not give them another chance- THEY ALL BLEW IT BIG TIME. It’s time for ALL NEW POLITICIANS who will uphold their Oaths to Our Constitutions
Terrible survey! This dumb survey wouldn’t stand up in court because it was all volunteer and maybe a couple got paid by the company or if they were volunteers, just dummies. We know for a fact that Dunleavy hires only people that are willing to lie for him and willing to gladly, to keep their jobs even if their lie is a part of making law. Many are registered today to run for governor. Lying, mealy-mouthed Adam Crum; DeVries, Wilson, Treg Taylor, Airhead Hughes, and more to come. The numbers are increasing as time goes by.
Maybe it’s because Alaska is learning that Donald is not the great negotiator he said he was.. His meeting with Putin shows that he worships him and will do his bidding. A red carpet for either one was a BIG mistake.
Off topic, but if you voted for the Vandal President, you have to defend this quote from the Number One Candidate for Removal Via the 25th Amendment:
“He’s [Netanyahu] a war hero, because we work together. He’s a war hero,” Mr. Trump said of the Israeli leader. “I guess I am too,” he added.
He’s lost it. He’s mentally incapable of making serious decisions that affect every one of us. He has to go.
One vote in person with ID on Election Day.
If you don’t Vote, shut your mouth you have no right to complain.
None of these facts are a bad reflection of the candidates. The problem is the electorate, and they deserve what they get (as well as what they don’t get).
I’m eager for Alaska Family Action’s voter guide. I’m a one issue voter – abortion. If you never make it alive, all the other issues are meaningless.
Dear BackcountryBoy, Please consider running for office! The Right to Life itself should be Every voter’s / candidate’s UNI-versal issue. Only candidates who are prepared to eliminate abortion as completely as slavery are worthy of public office.
Then pay for raising children that were not wanted. Pay for the mother to get an education until she can support the child on her own. Go after the fathers to enforce child support. Make men get vasectomies.
Understand in this poll, Shelley Hughes can’t campaign since the Senate and House is in special session. Those numbers will rise once the session is over!